Death and the Conjuror
In 1930s London, celebrity psychiatrist Anselm Rees is discovered dead in his locked study, and there seems to be no way that a killer could have escaped unseen. There are no clues, no witnesses, and no evidence of the murder weapon. Stumped by the confounding scene, the Scotland Yard detective on the case calls on retired stage magician-turned-part-time sleuth Joseph Spector.
For who better to make sense of the impossible than one who traffics in illusions?
Selected as one of Publishers Weekly’s Best Mysteries of the Year
Selected as one of The Guardian’s Best Crime and Thrillers of the Year
HWA Debut Crown 2023, Historical Writers’ Association – Shortlist
Capital Crime Award: Debut Crime Novel of the Year (Nomination)
Praise for Death and the Conjuror
“An intricate, elegantly written ‘impossible’ crime that completely fooled me. Tom Mead is already a master of the art of misdirection.”
“A real treat for mystery fans”
“Death and the Conjuror is an engrossing tale of murder and magicians, and a revealing exploration of the ever-popular locked-room mystery. Mead’s debut is a novel to intrigue and delight.”
“A tour de force Golden Age murder mystery. It sparkles with brilliant clues, has an amazing detective (who’s going to buy the TV rights?), and a proper fair play denouement with a brilliant reveal at the end. LOVED IT.”
“An enthralling take on the classic locked room mystery. Highly enjoyable.”
Reviews of Death and the Conjuror
“A loving tribute to the locked-room master John Dickson Carr and a sharply drawn period piece.”
“An affectionate tribute to the golden age of impossible murder mysteries […] This ingenious debut is also great fun.”
“Pure escapism and an excellent puzzle”
“Secrets, red herrings and sleights of hand abound in an ingenious piece of intriguing escapism.”
“Books that hark back to the golden age of crime, such as Tom Mead’s splendidly tricksy locked-room mystery Death and the Conjuror (Head of Zeus), are also on the rise. The late Christopher Fowler, author of the wonderful Bryant & May detective series, who often lamented the sacrifice of inventiveness and fun on the altar of realism, would surely have approved.”
April 2022
“Set in London, Mead’s stellar debut and series launch, an homage to golden age crime fiction, in particular the works of John Dickson Carr, introduces magician Joseph Spector. […] Mead maintains suspense throughout, creating a creepy atmosphere en route to satisfying reveals. Puzzle mystery fans will eagerly await the sequel.”
April 2022, Debut of the Month)
“This debut, a tribute to John Dickson Carr and other Golden Age masters of the locked-room mystery, will appeal to nostalgia buffs and fans of the classics.”
“Mead’s debut novel is a valentine to the locked-room puzzles of John Dickson Carr, to whom it is dedicated […] Mead faithfully replicates all the loving artifice and teasing engagement of golden-age puzzlers in this superior pastiche.”
“The clever and complicated plots the unknown antagonist concocts will likely keep you guessing all the way through.”
“Fans of Golden Age historical fiction will enjoy this new spin on a traditional pairing for professional policeman and amateur sleuth… All the elements you would expect are here, and the book is pleasingly referential.”
“Not just a worthy imitation of the Golden Age puzzlers, but also a gently tongue in cheek rejuvenation of a type of mystery novel that is both cosy and challenging.”
“There are some very fine descriptive images, a good pace, lots of variety and a skilful reveal. This is a most encouraging debut.”
“This is how you write books set in the Golden Age – other homage and pastiche authors should take note. This is a magnificent book and deserves the widest audience possible.”
“[Death and the Conjuror] is a delightful read and one I really enjoyed. […] Highly recommended.”
“You would definitely need a sharper mind than mine if you hope to solve this mystery before the main characters do, but that didn’t stop me avidly devouring the book and wanting more of Joseph Spector and his impossible investigations.”
July 2022
“I am truly amazed by this wonderful masterpiece […] I can’t wait to see what happens next with Joseph Spector.”
July 2022
“It’s a page turner I couldn’t put down and loved. I hope to read other stories featuring Spector and Flint. Highly recommended.”
July 2022
“Fans of Agatha Christie and John Dickson Carr will be positively delighted to dive into Tom Mead’s debut novel! Death and the Conjuror is a classic Golden Age locked room whodunnit with a cocktail of eccentric characters and delicious twists and turns. [...] I myself was not successful but I had a blast trying – and I think you will too!”
July 2022
“Best of all for me is Joseph Spector himself, a detective I can easily see commanding a long series of written exploits. […] Spector now carries off a full-length adventure with aplomb and wit. Tom Mead is a welcome addition to the ranks of modern authors embracing the classic style […] and I look forward with anticipation to Spector’s next case.”
Blog Tour (US)
–“Theatrical Murder Mysteries” @ The Mystery of Writing
–Review @ Bookshine and Readbows
–Interview @ Cozy up With Kathy
–Interview @ The Scribblings of Sarah E. Glenn
–Review @ I Read What You Write
–“Challenge to the Reader: Golden Age Detection Then and Now” @ Novels Alive
–Review @ Scrapping and Playing
–Review @ Reading Is My Superpower
–“Hey Presto: Magic, Mystery & Me” @ The Book Diva’s Reads
Blog Tour (UK)
